Max. Elevation
Join Alpinist Club for a challenging Himalayan expedition to the summit of Annapurna I (8,091m), the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Located in Nepal's Annapurna Himal, this formidable peak demands advanced mountaineering skills, excellent physical conditioning, previous high-altitude experience and disciplined decision-making.
Our expedition combines a remote mountain approach, Base Camp establishment, technical preparation, acclimatization rotations, high-camp logistics and a summit attempt planned around weather and route conditions.
The standard package is designed around 1:1 high-altitude climbing Sherpa support, supplemental oxygen according to the agreed package, expedition Base Camp services, communication systems, weather forecasting and logistical support throughout the climbing period.
Annapurna I is a serious 8,000-meter objective with significant objective hazards, including avalanche exposure, crevasses, seracs, steep snow and ice, extreme altitude and rapidly changing weather. Summit success cannot be guaranteed, and the expedition leader's safety decisions always take priority.
With Alpinist Club, you will receive organized expedition logistics and experienced local support for this demanding Himalayan undertaking.
Request an Expedition Quotation to discuss your climbing experience, preferred departure, support requirements and the services available for your expedition
Itinerary
Expand AllWelcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, an Alpinist Club representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest and recover from your international journey. In the evening, we will introduce you to the expedition team and provide an overview of the program.
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Meals: Welcome dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
Today is reserved for final expedition preparation. The expedition leader will check your personal climbing equipment, high-altitude clothing, boots, crampons, harness, ascender, sleeping bag, and other essential gear. We will also discuss the climbing plan, safety procedures, communication systems, supplemental oxygen, emergency arrangements, and expedition logistics. Any missing equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu.
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, we transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for the short flight to Pokhara. Weather permitting, the flight offers impressive views of the Himalayan range, including Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna massif. After arriving in Pokhara, transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is used for rest and final organization of expedition equipment.
- Altitude: 822m
- Flight: Approx. 25–30 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, we leave Pokhara and drive toward Beni before continuing into the Kali Gandaki Valley. The road follows deep river valleys surrounded by terraced hills, waterfalls, and mountain villages. We arrive at Tatopani in the afternoon and spend the night in a local lodge. The expedition team will organize equipment and prepare for the trekking approach toward Annapurna Base Camp.
- Altitude: 1,190m
- Drive: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse
After breakfast in Tatopani, we make the short journey toward Dana and begin trekking toward Lete. The trail gradually gains altitude while following the Kali Gandaki Valley through forests and traditional settlements. As we climb higher, the landscape becomes cooler and more mountainous, with increasingly impressive views toward the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. We arrive at Lete in the afternoon and settle into our lodge.
- Altitude: 2,480m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse
Today is an important acclimatization and recovery day. Rather than gaining altitude too quickly, we stay in Lete and allow the body to adjust gradually. After breakfast, we can take a short acclimatization hike above the village before returning to the lodge for lunch and rest. The expedition leader will also check everyone's general condition before we continue toward the remote upper valley.
- Altitude: 2,480m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse
After breakfast, we leave Lete and enter a much more remote section of the expedition. The trail moves away from the main settlements and continues through forest, mountain terrain, and increasingly isolated landscapes. As we gain elevation, views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks become more dramatic. Because accommodation becomes limited in this region, our expedition support team will establish a camp for the night.
- Altitude: Approx. 3,265m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Expedition Camp
Today is one of the most demanding days of the approach. We continue through remote alpine terrain toward the Annapurna I Base Camp area. The environment gradually changes from forest and grassland to moraine, rock and glacial terrain as we approach the mountain. After reaching Base Camp at approximately 4,190 metres, our expedition staff will welcome us to the camp. The Base Camp will include sleeping tents, dining facilities, kitchen facilities, toilet arrangements and other expedition infrastructure. After arrival, the priority is rest, hydration, and adapting to the altitude.
- Altitude: Approx. 4,190m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Full Board Expedition Camp
Our first full day at Base Camp is kept relaxed. After several days of travel and trekking, the body needs time to recover and adapt to the higher altitude. Members can organize their personal tents, climbing gear and equipment while the expedition team continues preparing the mountain logistics.
- Altitude: Approx. 4,190m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Full Board Expedition Camp
Today we participate in the traditional Himalayan Puja Ceremony. The climbing equipment, ropes, crampons, ice axes, and other expedition gear are blessed before the team begins serious climbing on Annapurna I.The Puja is an important tradition for Nepalese climbing teams and marks the formal beginning of the expedition on the mountain. The remainder of the day is used for rest and equipment preparation.
- Altitude: Approx. 4,190m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Full Board Expedition Camp
Today we begin technical preparation near Base Camp. Depending on conditions, training may include:
- Fixed-rope ascending
- Jumar techniques
- Rappelling
- Crampon technique
- Ice-axe use
- Harness and carabiner systems
- Glacier movement
- Crevasse awareness
- Ladder-crossing techniques where necessary
- Radio communication
- Supplemental oxygen system checks
The purpose is to make sure every member is comfortable with the systems that will be used higher on the mountain.
- Altitude: Approx. 4,190m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Full Board Expedition Camp
Another acclimatization day allows the team to recover before beginning the first climbing rotation. Members may take a short hike above Base Camp while the climbing Sherpas continue checking the route and preparing equipment for the higher camps. In the afternoon, the expedition leader reviews the upcoming rotation plan.
- Altitude: Approx. 4,190m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Full Board Expedition Camp
Annapurna I Climbing Period
The next eighteen days are dedicated to gradually acclimatizing and preparing the route toward the upper mountain. Unlike a normal trekking itinerary, exact climbing days cannot be fixed months in advance. Weather, snow conditions, glacier movement, avalanche risk, route preparation, and individual acclimatization determine when the team moves higher.The planned camp system may include approximately:
- Base Camp: 4,190m
- Camp I: Approx. 5,200m
- Camp II: Approx. 5,700m
- Camp III: Approx. 6,400–6,500m
- Camp IV: Approx. 7,100–7,400m
- Summit: 8,091m
Exact camp positions may change according to mountain conditions.
First Rotation: Base Camp to Camp I
The first rotation introduces climbers to the route above Base Camp. Members climb progressively toward Camp I while becoming familiar with glacier travel, fixed ropes, and the technical terrain. Depending on individual acclimatization, the team may spend one night at Camp I before returning to Base Camp.
Recovery at Base Camp
After the first rotation, several days are spent at Base Camp.These recovery days are essential for:
- Hydration
- Nutrition
- Sleep
- Equipment maintenance
- Medical monitoring
- Physical recovery
Meanwhile, the climbing Sherpas continue carrying equipment and preparing the upper camps.
Second Rotation: Camp I and Camp II
Once sufficiently recovered, the team begins the second rotation. Members climb through Camp I and continue toward Camp II. This section of Annapurna I can involve complicated glacier terrain, crevasses, and sections exposed to serac and avalanche hazards. The expedition leader and route-fixing team will select the safest available line according to current conditions. After spending time around Camp II, climbers descend again to Base Camp.
Third Rotation: Camp II to Camp III
The third acclimatization rotation takes the team higher. After sleeping at Camps I and II, climbers continue toward Camp III at approximately 6,400–6,500 metres. Reaching and sleeping around this altitude is an important stage before the final summit push. Depending on weather, route conditions and individual performance, members may climb slightly above Camp III before descending.
Return to Base Camp and Recovery
After completing the higher rotation, the team returns to Base Camp. Several days of complete rest are normally required.
During this period, the expedition leader closely follows:
- Mountain weather forecasts
- Jet-stream winds
- Snowfall
- Avalanche conditions
- Route status
- Team recovery
- Individual health
When the team is sufficiently recovered and a suitable weather window appears, preparations begin for the summit rotation.
After completing the acclimatization rotations and resting at Base Camp, the team prepares for the final summit push. The exact schedule will depend on weather, route conditions, avalanche risk, individual acclimatization and the condition of each climber. Once a suitable weather window is confirmed, the team gradually climbs from Base Camp to Camp I, Camp II, Camp III, and Camp IV. Members climb with their high-altitude Sherpa support, carrying essential personal equipment while the expedition team manages high-camp logistics, food, tents and supplemental oxygen. From Camp IV, the summit attempt normally begins late at night or in the early hours of the morning. Climbers continue slowly toward the upper slopes and summit ridge of Annapurna I at 8,091 metres. After reaching the summit, conditions permitting, the team begins descending immediately. The priority is to lose altitude safely and return through the high camps toward Base Camp. The exact number of days required for the summit rotation may change according to mountain and weather conditions.
- Highest Altitude: 8,091m
- Meals: High-altitude meals
- Accommodation: High Camps / Expedition Tents
We complete the descent and return to Base Camp.
The Base Camp team welcomes the climbers with warm meals and drinks.
After weeks of preparation and climbing, today is mainly about rest and recovery.
After breakfast, we leave Base Camp and begin descending through the remote mountain terrain. The lower altitude quickly provides easier breathing and warmer temperatures.
- Overnight at the expedition camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Camp
We continue descending through forests and mountain terrain toward Lete. After several weeks in expedition camps, returning to a lodge provides a welcome level of comfort.
- Altitude: Approx. 2,480m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge/Teahouse
After breakfast, we descend toward Dana and reconnect with our vehicle. From here, we drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara. After checking into the hotel, the remainder of the evening is free for rest.
- Altitude: 822m
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu.On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is free for rest, shopping, or exploring Kathmandu. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the expedition.
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
Your Annapurna I Expedition comes to an end. An Alpinist Club representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule.We wish you a safe journey home and hope the experience of Annapurna I remains with you for many years.
- Meals: Breakfast
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Airport Transfers : Private vehicle transfers between Kathmandu Airport and your hotel for arrival and departure
Hotel Accommodation : 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara in a single room with bed and breakfast.
Welcome and Farewell Dinner : Two dinners in Kathmandu
Member Transportation : Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus private road transportation between Pokhara and Tatopani, as specified in the itinerary.
Expedition Equipment Transportation : Transportation of expedition equipment and supplies between Kathmandu, Tatopani, and Base Camp by porters or yaks. Return transportation from Base Camp to Tatopani is by porters or yaks, followed by a jeep journey to Kathmandu.
Meals : Full-board meals during the acclimatization trek and food supplies at Base Camp.
Base Camp Kitchen Team : Experienced cook and assistant, including their food, equipment, allowances, and accommodation.
Base Camp Facilities : Equipped kitchen tent, heated dining tent, tables, chairs, toilet tent, and shower tent.
Individual Sleeping Equipment : One Base Camp tent, mattress, pillow, and solar lamp per member.
Solar Power : Solar panels for charging mobile phones and standard cameras. Power may be insufficient for computers.
High-Camp Supplies : High-altitude food, tents, stoves, and fuel.
High-Altitude Climbing Guide : One Nepalese high-altitude guide per member to carry food and equipment to high camps and assist during the summit ascent.
Expedition Leader : An experienced high-mountain guide for groups of four to six or more participants. For smaller groups
Expedition Management : Logistics manager and local manager at Base Camp.
Guide and Staff Insurance : \Insurance for mountain guides, the cook, and assistants, covering medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation, and life insurance as specified in the package.
Weather Forecasting : Professional weather forecasting throughout the expedition.
Group Climbing Equipment : Fixed ropes, anchors, and other necessary group climbing equipment.
Supplemental Oxygen : Two oxygen cylinders per member, including one oxygen mask and regulator set.
Guide Oxygen : One oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator per high-altitude guide.
High-Camp Logistics : Tents, food, stoves, and fuel for high-altitude camps.
Satellite Phone : One satellite phone at Advanced Base Camp for emergency rescue use only.
Walkie-Talkies : One per high-altitude guide for communication with Base Camp and Camp 2.
Climbing Permits : Annapurna I climbing permits and associated fees.
Fixed-Rope Fees : Charges for access to fixed ropes.
Government Fees : Applicable government environmental taxes.
Garbage Management : Security deposit for expedition garbage collection.
Certificate : Mount Annapurna climbing certificate (after climbing Mount Annapurna successfully)
Excluded Points
Airfare : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
Nepal entry visa fee : The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 125 for 90 Days.
Lunch and dinner : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
Extra nights in kathmandu : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Insurance policy : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue and air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)
Mandatory Personal expenses : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
Personal climbing Equipment : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
Filming : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
Internet service : Not included during the trek and the expedition.
Tips : Calculate some tips for Basecamp and high camp staff – Minimum 350 USD.
Summit bonus : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 1200 USD.
Trip Information
Annapurna I Expedition
The Annapurna I Expedition (8,091 m) is a challenging high-altitude adventure for experienced mountaineers. Proper preparation, excellent physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and previous high-altitude experience are essential. Alpinist Club provides expedition logistics, experienced climbing Sherpas, Base Camp support, meals, and accommodation as specified in the package. Safety, acclimatization, weather conditions, and teamwork are key throughout the expedition. A summit cannot be guaranteed due to the mountain’s demanding and unpredictable conditions.
Read More1. Expedition Preparation
Preparation should begin at least 6–8 months before departure. Climbers should develop excellent endurance, strength, technical mountaineering skills and experience in high-altitude environments.
Preparation should include regular hiking, running, cycling, strength training and practice with crampons, ice axes, harnesses and fixed ropes. Participants may also arrange technical training and high-altitude medical consultations before the expedition.
2. Your Guide and Expedition Team
Alpinist Club provides an experienced Nepalese team to support the expedition.
Expedition Leader: Manages the climbing schedule, acclimatization, weather assessments, logistics and safety decisions.
High-Altitude Climbing Sherpa: Provides technical support during the ascent and planned summit attempt. A 1:1 Sherpa ratio is available as specified in the package.
Base Camp Team: Includes kitchen staff and support personnel who prepare meals, manage supplies and maintain camp facilities.
Porters and Load Carriers: Transport equipment and supplies along the approach route.
All climbers must follow the expedition leader's instructions. The itinerary may change depending on weather, route conditions and participants' health.
3. Difficulty and Experience
Annapurna I (8,091 m) is an extreme high-altitude expedition suitable only for experienced mountaineers. Climbers must have excellent physical fitness, strong technical skills and previous experience on demanding high-altitude peaks.
The expedition involves extreme cold, glacier travel, crevasses, steep snow and ice, avalanche exposure and unpredictable weather. Previous 7,000 m or 8,000 m climbing experience is highly recommended.
4. Accommodation
Kathmandu: Hotel accommodation according to the confirmed package.
Approach trek: Local lodges or expedition tents, depending on the route and availability.
Base Camp: Individual sleeping tents with shared dining, kitchen and toilet facilities, as specified in the package.
High Camps: High-altitude tents suitable for the climbing conditions. Facilities are basic, and tent-sharing arrangements may vary.
5. Meals and Drinking Water
During the approach trek, meals are generally served at local lodges. At Base Camp, the kitchen team prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner according to the package.
High-altitude meals are simpler and may include dehydrated food, soups, energy snacks and hot drinks. Climbers may bring personal snacks to suit their preferences.
Carry a reusable water bottle and suitable water-treatment supplies. Follow the expedition team's advice on safe drinking water.
6. Physical Preparation and Medical Check-Up
Arrange a medical assessment with a qualified doctor, preferably one experienced in mountain medicine. Discuss the physical demands, altitude and risks of the expedition. A dental check-up before departure is also recommended.
Participants should carry necessary personal medication and inform the expedition team of relevant medical requirements before the trip.
7. Altitude Sickness and Safety
Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and loss of appetite. Severe altitude illness can become life-threatening.
Report symptoms to the expedition leader immediately. Do not continue ascending when experiencing symptoms that may indicate altitude illness. Descent, medical assessment and supplemental oxygen may be required.
Supplemental oxygen arrangements depend on the confirmed package. Climbers must have appropriate high-altitude mountaineering insurance covering emergency rescue, evacuation and medical treatment.
8. Equipment and Baggage
Climbers must bring appropriate mountaineering clothing, boots, gloves, sleeping equipment where required, and personal technical gear.
Alpinist Club will provide a detailed packing list identifying which equipment is included and which items must be supplied personally. Baggage limits and porter arrangements will be confirmed before departure.
9. Weather and Summit Attempts
Mountain weather and climbing conditions can change quickly. The expedition leader may adjust the schedule, delay the summit attempt or stop the climb if conditions are unsafe.
Summit success cannot be guaranteed. Safety, proper acclimatization and responsible climbing decisions always take priority.
10. Responsible Expedition Practices
Participants are expected to respect local communities, follow waste-management procedures, minimize plastic waste and treat the Nepalese expedition team fairly. Cooperation, patience and teamwork are essential throughout the expedition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All
Annapurna I stands at 8,091 metres (26,545 feet) above sea level. It is the tenth-highest mountain in the world.
Annapurna I is located in the Annapurna Himal range of Nepal.
Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit on 3 June 1950, making Annapurna I the first 8,000-metre peak successfully climbed.
Spring, particularly April and May, is the main climbing season for Annapurna I. Actual climbing conditions depend on weather, snow conditions, and the route.
The standard Alpinist Club itinerary is 43 days, including arrival, the approach trek, acclimatization rotations, the summit period, and the return to Kathmandu. The schedule may change due to weather and mountain conditions.
No. Annapurna I is an extreme high-altitude expedition for experienced mountaineers with advanced technical skills, excellent fitness, and previous experience on demanding high-altitude peaks.
Previous experience on 7,000-metre peaks is strongly recommended, while experience on an 8,000-metre mountain is highly valuable. Climbers should be proficient in fixed-rope techniques, crampon use, ice-axe skills, glacier travel, and high-altitude climbing.
The standard package specifies one Nepalese high-altitude climbing Sherpa per participant (1:1 ratio). Confirm the exact services and support arrangements before booking.
Supplemental oxygen, masks, and regulators are included according to the confirmed package. The number of oxygen cylinders and the planned allocation should be confirmed before departure.
The expedition uses several high camps between Base Camp and the summit. Their locations and use depend on the route, snow conditions, glacier movement, and the climbing team's assessment.
Annapurna I is an extremely demanding technical climb involving steep snow and ice, glacier travel, crevasses, avalanche exposure, extreme altitude, and unpredictable weather. It requires strong mountaineering skills and careful risk management.
No. The summit date depends on weather, route conditions, acclimatization, rope fixing, and each climber's condition. The expedition leader may change the schedule to protect the team.
No. A successful summit cannot be guaranteed on an 8,000-metre mountain. Safety and responsible decision-making take priority over reaching the summit.
The expedition team monitors weather forecasts and mountain conditions. The climbing schedule or summit attempt may be delayed, changed, or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
Report symptoms to the expedition leader immediately. Depending on the severity, you may need rest, medical assessment, supplemental oxygen, or descent. Serious cases may require emergency evacuation.
Emergency helicopter evacuation is not included in the package according to the current exclusions. Participants must arrange suitable insurance covering high-altitude rescue, evacuation, medical treatment, and repatriation.
Personal clothing and climbing equipment are generally excluded. Alpinist Club will provide a detailed equipment list before departure, identifying the items you need to bring or arrange separately.
Yes. Private expedition arrangements may be available depending on your preferred dates, climbing experience, group size, and required support services.
Individual climbers can contact Alpinist Club to discuss joining a scheduled expedition or arranging a private expedition, subject to availability and the required support arrangements.